Lesson Plan
Schedule Success!
Students will be able to create a weekly and daily schedule that effectively incorporates their academic responsibilities, personal tasks, and extracurricular activities, and identify various time management strategies.
Learning to effectively schedule time and employ various time management strategies reduces feelings of overwhelm, improves punctuality, and ensures students can balance their academic and personal lives, leading to greater success and well-being. This skill is crucial for managing high school demands and preparing for future independence.
Audience
9th Grade Students
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Guided instruction on scheduling principles and time management strategies, hands-on activity for creating personalized schedules, and a reflective discussion.
Materials
- Schedule Success! Slide Deck, - Weekly & Daily Schedule Worksheet, - Pens/Pencils/Markers, - Student planners or blank paper for scheduling, and - Current class syllabi (optional, if students want to reference for assignments)
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Schedule Success! Lesson Plan and all linked materials: Schedule Success! Slide Deck, Weekly & Daily Schedule Worksheet, and Schedule Success! Discussion Guide.
- Make copies of the Weekly & Daily Schedule Worksheet for each student.
- Prepare the projector/screen for the Schedule Success! Slide Deck.
- Consider having a blank sample schedule (weekly and daily) to model if needed.
Step 1
Warm-Up: Time Troubles
5 minutes
- Begin by asking students: "What makes managing your time for school, homework, and fun activities feel challenging sometimes?" Allow a few students to share.
- Introduce the day's topic: learning how to build a schedule that helps them balance everything and feel more in control. Use Schedule Success! Slide Deck Slide 1-2.
Step 2
Scheduling Fundamentals
8 minutes
- Explain the difference between weekly and daily schedules and why both are important. Use Schedule Success! Slide Deck Slide 3-5.
- Introduce key scheduling principles: identifying fixed commitments, allocating time for academics, including breaks/self-care, and making it realistic.
Step 3
Exploring Organization & Time Strategies
8 minutes
- Introduce various time management and organization strategies (e.g., time blocking, prioritizing, Pomodoro Technique, Eat the Frog, Two-Minute Rule). Use Schedule Success! Slide Deck Slide 6-10.
- Have students briefly discuss in pairs which strategy resonates most with their personality and learning style, and why. Emphasize that there's no single "best" way, only what works best for them.
Step 4
Build Your Blueprint: Weekly Schedule
12 minutes
- Distribute the Weekly & Daily Schedule Worksheet.
- Guide students to start filling in their weekly schedule on the worksheet, focusing on fixed commitments first (classes, sports, clubs, appointments).
- Then, instruct them to block out dedicated time for homework, studying, and reviewing for each subject, as well as essential self-care (meals, sleep). Use Schedule Success! Slide Deck Slide 11-12. Circulate to provide support and answer questions.
Step 5
Daily Deep Dive & Flexibility
7 minutes
- Transition to the daily schedule section of the Weekly & Daily Schedule Worksheet.
- Explain that the daily schedule is a more detailed breakdown and can be adjusted as needed. Have students pick one or two days from their weekly schedule and create a more detailed daily plan, including specific tasks for homework/study time.
- Emphasize the importance of flexibility and not over-scheduling. Use Schedule Success! Slide Deck Slide 13-14.
Step 6
Reflect & Refine
5 minutes
- Facilitate a brief Schedule Success! Discussion Guide about what they found easy or challenging during the scheduling process and what they hope to gain from using a schedule. Use Schedule Success! Slide Deck Slide 15.
- Encourage students to try out their schedule for the upcoming week and be prepared to adjust it. Answer any final questions.
Slide Deck
Schedule Success! Master Your Time, Own Your Week!
Ever feel like there aren't enough hours in the day?
Juggling classes, homework, sports, and friends?
Let's build a schedule that works for YOU!
Welcome students and open with a question about time management challenges. Encourage a few shares to set the context.
Your Time, Your Control
A great schedule isn't about being busy, it's about being effective.
It helps you:
- See what's coming
- Balance school and life
- Reduce stress and forgotten tasks
- Reach your goals!
Introduce the idea that scheduling is about taking control and reducing stress, not just adding more tasks.
Weekly Wisdom: The Big Picture
Your Weekly Schedule is like a bird's-eye view of your week.
- Shows all your fixed commitments (classes, sports, clubs, work)
- Helps you see free blocks for homework and downtime
- Essential for planning ahead and preventing surprises!
Explain the role of a weekly schedule in seeing the 'big picture' of their commitments.
Daily Detail: Your Hour-by-Hour Guide
Your Daily Schedule zooms in on a single day.
- Breaks down your academic blocks into specific tasks (e.g., 'Math HW - Chapter 5', 'Study for History Quiz')
- Can be adjusted daily based on what comes up
- Keeps you on track moment-to-moment.
Explain how a daily schedule provides more detail and flexibility.
Smart Scheduling Principles
- Know Your Fixed Commitments: Classes, practices, appointments.
- Allocate Academics: Dedicate specific time blocks for homework & study.
- Include Breaks & Self-Care: Downtime is NOT wasted time!
- Be Realistic: Don't overschedule yourself.
- Flexibility is Key: Life happens; your schedule should adapt.
Highlight key principles for effective scheduling.
Strategy 1: Time Blocking ⏰
Assign specific blocks of time for specific tasks.
- Dedicate 30 mins to Math homework, 1 hour to English essay.
- Schedule study time, breaks, and even free time.
Why it works: Helps you focus and avoid distractions by committing time.
Introduce the first strategy: Time Blocking. Give a brief explanation.
Strategy 2: Prioritize & Break Down 💪
Not all tasks are equal!
- Prioritize: Decide what's most important and urgent (e.g., A, B, C or 1, 2, 3).
- Break Down: Turn big projects into smaller, manageable steps.
Why it works: Prevents overwhelm and ensures important tasks get done first.
Introduce the second strategy: Prioritization. Give a brief explanation.
Strategy 3: The Pomodoro Technique 🍅
Work in focused 25-minute intervals, followed by a 5-minute break.
- Set a timer for 25 mins: focus intensely on one task.
- Take a 5 min break: stretch, grab water, clear your head.
- After 4 'Pomodoros,' take a longer 15-30 min break.
Why it works: Boosts focus, prevents burnout, and makes big tasks feel manageable.
Introduce the Pomodoro Technique. Explain its benefits.
Strategy 4: Eat the Frog! 🐸
Tackle your biggest, most challenging task first thing in the morning.
- Get the toughest thing done when you have the most energy.
- Feel a huge sense of accomplishment for the rest of the day.
Why it works: Prevents procrastination and builds momentum.
Introduce a new strategy: Eat the Frog. Explain its benefits.
Strategy 5: The Two-Minute Rule ⏱️
If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately!
- Answering a quick email, filing a paper, adding an item to your planner.
- Don't put off small tasks that can pile up.
Why it works: Prevents small tasks from becoming big, overwhelming piles.
Introduce another new strategy: The Two-Minute Rule. Explain its application.
Choose Your Strategy! 🤔
There's no single "best" way to organize.
- Think about how you learn and work best.
- Which strategy feels like it would fit your style?
You might even combine different strategies!
Encourage students to consider their own preferences and choose a strategy. This sets up the activity.
Build Your Weekly Blueprint!
Time to get organized!
1. Start with fixed commitments (school, sports, clubs, appointments).
2. Block out time for meals and sleep.
3. Add dedicated blocks for homework and studying.
4. Don't forget free time!
Transition to the hands-on activity of building a weekly schedule.
Homework & Study Blocks
Where will your academics fit?
- Look at your syllabus and planner for upcoming assignments.
- Dedicate specific time for each subject or task.
- Example: "Mon 4:00-5:00pm: Math HW & Review"
Guide students through adding study and homework blocks. Emphasize specificity.
Daily Deep Dive: Plan a Specific Day
Pick one or two days from your weekly schedule.
- What specific tasks will you do during your homework blocks?
- When will you take short breaks?
- How will you adjust if something unexpected comes up?
Transition to detailing one or two days.
Schedules: Your Guide, Not Your Master
Remember:
- Your schedule is a tool to help you, not a rigid prison!
- It will need adjustments – that's normal!
- The goal is to feel more organized and less stressed.
Reinforce that schedules are tools, not rigid rules.
Reflect & Refine!
What was easy or challenging about creating your schedule today?
What do you hope to gain by using a schedule?
How will you remember to use and adjust your schedule?
Facilitate a short discussion to reflect on the activity.
Your Organized Future Starts Now!
You now have a powerful tool to manage your time and responsibilities.
Commit to trying your new schedule this week!
Take control, reduce stress, and achieve your goals. You got this!
Conclude by empowering students to use their new skill.
Worksheet
Weekly & Daily Schedule Planner
Instructions: Use this worksheet to create your ideal weekly and a detailed daily schedule. Remember, this is a tool to help you, not a rigid set of rules! Be realistic and include time for both responsibilities and self-care.
Part 1: Your Weekly Blueprint
Fixed Commitments: First, fill in all your classes, sports, club meetings, appointments, and any other non-negotiable activities. Use blocks of time for these. Then, add in meal times and dedicated sleep.
My Weekly Schedule (Example Time Blocks)
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00-8:00 AM | Breakfast/Prep | Breakfast/Prep | Breakfast/Prep | Breakfast/Prep | Breakfast/Prep | ||
| 8:00-9:00 AM | School | School | School | School | School | ||
| 9:00-10:00 AM | School | School | School | School | School | ||
| 10:00-11:00 AM | School | School | School | School | School | ||
| 11:00-12:00 PM | School | School | School | School | School | ||
| 12:00-1:00 PM | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | ||
| 1:00-2:00 PM | School | School | School | School | School | ||
| 2:00-3:00 PM | School | School | School | School | School | ||
| 3:00-4:00 PM | |||||||
| 4:00-5:00 PM | |||||||
| 5:00-6:00 PM | |||||||
| 6:00-7:00 PM | |||||||
| 7:00-8:00 PM | |||||||
| 8:00-9:00 PM | |||||||
| 9:00-10:00 PM | |||||||
| 10:00-11:00 PM | |||||||
| 11:00 PM onwards | Sleep | Sleep | Sleep | Sleep | Sleep | Sleep | Sleep |
Now add in:
- Homework/Study Blocks: Find empty slots and dedicate time for homework, studying, and reviewing. Be specific (e.g., "Math HW," "Study History").
- Extracurriculars/Hobbies: Block out time for sports, clubs, music, or other activities you enjoy.
- Free Time/Downtime: This is important for rest and recharge! Schedule it in.
Part 2: Your Daily Deep Dive
Pick one day from your completed weekly schedule and create a more detailed hourly (or even half-hourly) plan. Be specific about tasks!
Detailed Daily Schedule for (Day of the Week): _______________
| Time | Activity/Task (Be Specific!) |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | |
| 7:30 AM | |
| 8:00 AM | |
| 8:30 AM | |
| 9:00 AM | |
| 9:30 AM | |
| 10:00 AM | |
| 10:30 AM | |
| 11:00 AM | |
| 11:30 AM | |
| 12:00 PM | |
| 12:30 PM | |
| 1:00 PM | |
| 1:30 PM | |
| 2:00 PM | |
| 2:30 PM | |
| 3:00 PM | |
| 3:30 PM | |
| 4:00 PM | |
| 4:30 PM | |
| 5:00 PM | |
| 5:30 PM | |
| 6:00 PM | |
| 6:30 PM | |
| 7:00 PM | |
| 7:30 PM | |
| 8:00 PM | |
| 8:30 PM | |
| 9:00 PM | |
| 9:30 PM | |
| 10:00 PM | |
| 10:30 PM |
Reflection
- What was one part of creating your schedule that felt easy or straightforward?
- What was one part of creating your schedule that felt challenging or required more thought?
- What is one thing you hope to gain by trying to use this schedule?
- What strategies can you use to stick to your schedule, even when things get busy?
Discussion
Group Discussion Guide: Building Your Schedule for Success
Instructions: Discuss the following questions in your small groups. Be prepared to share some of your group's insights with the whole class.
Discussion Questions
- Initial Thoughts: Before today, how did you typically manage your time and tasks? What were some of the biggest challenges you faced?
- Weekly Blueprint Insights: What was it like to map out your entire week? Did anything surprise you about where your time goes, or how much free time you actually have (or don't have)?
- Daily Deep Dive Challenges: When creating your detailed daily schedule, what did you find most challenging? (e.g., being specific, fitting everything in, deciding on breaks).
- Strategy Showcase: Of the time management strategies we discussed (Time Blocking, Prioritization, Pomodoro Technique, Eat the Frog, The Two-Minute Rule), which one are you most interested in trying with your new schedule, and why?
- Flexibility vs. Structure: How can a schedule be both structured and flexible? What are some ways you can adjust your schedule when unexpected things come up without feeling like you've failed?
- Benefits & Buy-in: What are the top 1-2 benefits you anticipate from consistently using a weekly and daily schedule along with a time management strategy? What will motivate you to stick with it?
- Peer Support: How can you and your classmates support each other in developing and maintaining effective schedules? What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone struggling to get started?
- Long-Term Impact: Imagine yourself at the end of the school year. How do you think consistently using effective scheduling and time management will have impacted your academic performance, stress levels, and overall well-being?